Name: Chorizo Mac and Cheese Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Ingredients: 1 pound cavatappi pasta (or elbow macaroni); Salt (for pasta water); 2 Tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil (divided); 1 Tablespoon butter; ½ cup bread crumbs; 9 ounces chorizo sausage (casings removed); 1 15-ounce can diced fire roasted tomatoes (drained); 1 shallot (minced); 3 cloves garlic (minced); 1 teaspoon paprika; 3 chipotle chiles in adobo sauce (finely chopped); 3 Tablespoons flour; 3 cups whole milk; 1 cup chicken stock; 3 cups smoked cheddar cheese (shredded); Fresh cilantro (to garnish)

If you’re craving a rich, comforting dish with a spicy kick, you absolutely have to try this Chorizo Mac and Cheese Recipe. I love this because it combines creamy, smoky cheddar goodness with bold chorizo flavor, giving classic mac and cheese a Tex-Mex twist that my family can’t get enough of. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be making this spicy, cheesy wonder again and again!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Bold, Flavor-Packed: Chorizo adds a smoky, spicy punch everyone will rave about.
Ultra-Creamy Cheese Sauce: Using smoked cheddar melts beautifully into a smooth, luscious sauce.
Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes — perfect for weeknight dinners or last-minute gatherings.
Crunchy Texture Contrast: Toasted breadcrumbs bring a delicious buttery crisp on top.

A white round plate holds a dish with three main layers: the bottom layer is creamy orange pasta spirals mixed evenly with small chunks of red tomatoes and pieces of green jalapeño slices, the middle layer is a light brown crumbly topping sprinkled all over, and the top layer has a few green cilantro leaves scattered around for color. A silver fork is placed on the right side of the plate, digging slightly into the pasta. The plate sits on a white marbled surface with some loose black pepper, a piece of torn bread at the top left, and small bowls containing black pepper, jalapeño slices, and green leaves scattered around. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Chorizo Mac and Cheese, spicy mac and cheese, cheesy chorizo pasta, easy mac and cheese recipes, Tex-Mex mac and cheese

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient here plays a role in building a layered, flavorful dish. The smoked cheddar brings that irresistible depth, while the chipotle chiles add a subtle smoky heat. When you shop, look for fresh chorizo and quality smoked cheddar for the best outcome.

Flat lay of fresh uncooked cavatappi pasta spilling slightly from a simple white ceramic bowl, three whole uncracked brown eggs nestled nearby, a small white bowl filled with bright orange smoked cheddar cheese shreds, a mound of raw chorizo sausage without casing on a white plate, half a shallot whole and showing clean smooth skin, three glossy red chipotle chiles resting beside a small white bowl of finely chopped chipotle in adobo sauce, a small white bowl with golden extra-virgin olive oil, another small white bowl containing creamy whole milk, a handful of fresh bright green cilantro sprigs, a white ceramic bowl with golden brown toasted bread crumbs, a small white bowl filled with bright red diced fire roasted tomatoes (drained), three cloves of fresh garlic with papery skin intact, a small white bowl of fine paprika powder, a small white bowl with sifted white flour, and a whole stick of butter still solid and uncut—arranged with perfect symmetry and natural proportions, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Chorizo Mac and Cheese, spicy mac and cheese, cheesy chorizo pasta, easy mac and cheese recipes, Tex-Mex mac and cheese

Cavatappi pasta (or elbow macaroni): Its curly shape traps sauce in all the right places.
Salt: Enhances every flavor in the dish — don’t skip salting your pasta water.
Extra-virgin olive oil: Adds richness and helps in toasting breadcrumbs evenly.
Butter: For that perfect nutty, toasted breadcrumb topping.
Bread crumbs: Gives a beautiful crunch that contrasts the creamy cheese.
Chorizo sausage: I like removing the casing for little spicy crumbles throughout.
Diced fire roasted tomatoes: Bring smoky sweetness and a pop of acidity to cut the richness.
Shallot: Adds a gentle onion flavor without overpowering.
Garlic: Essential for that savory base note.
Paprika: Brings warmth and enhances the smoky flavors.
Chipotle chiles in adobo sauce: My secret weapon for smokiness and heat.
Flour: Thickens the cheese sauce perfectly without lumps.
Whole milk: For creaminess that’s neither too thin nor too heavy.
Chicken stock: Adds subtle savory depth to the sauce.
Smoked cheddar cheese: Melts smoothly, giving a rich and smoky cheesiness.
Fresh cilantro: Use as a fresh, herbaceous garnish to brighten every bite.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I’m all about making recipes your own, and this Chorizo Mac and Cheese Recipe is no different. You can easily swap ingredients or play with add-ins to suit your taste or dietary needs—let your creativity run wild!

Vegetarian Variation: I’ve tried swapping the chorizo for smoked paprika and sautéed mushrooms — still so flavorful and hearty.
Add Extra Veggies: Toss in some roasted poblano peppers or corn for a fresh, slightly sweet touch.
Spice Level: Adjust the chipotle chiles up or down depending on your heat preference; I love the smoky heat but tone it down for kids.
Cheese Swap: Mix smoked cheddar with Monterey Jack for a slightly milder, creamier sauce that still has character.

How to Make Chorizo Mac and Cheese Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Cook the Pasta Just Right

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. When it’s bubbling like crazy, toss in the cavatappi pasta. Here’s a tip I learned early on: cook the pasta just shy of al dente because it’ll keep cooking a bit once mixed with the sauce. Drain it but keep it warm in the pot you cooked it in, so it’s ready to soak up all that cheesy goodness later.

Step 2: Toast Breadcrumbs for That Perfect Crunch

Heat one tablespoon of olive oil and one tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Once the butter melts, toss in the breadcrumbs and stir them often. Toast for 2-3 minutes until golden and crispy — this little topping brings such a lovely texture contrast! Transfer them to a small bowl and wipe out the skillet.

Step 3: Cook the Chorizo and Tomatoes

Back to that same skillet (wiped clean), crank the heat to medium-high and add the chorizo without casing. Cook until it starts to brown, about 2-3 minutes. Then add the fire-roasted diced tomatoes and warm them through with the chorizo. Set aside off the heat — this combo is the heart of your dish.

Step 4: Whip Up the Chipotle Cheese Sauce

In a medium saucepan, heat the remaining olive oil over medium heat. Toss in the minced shallot and cook for 1-2 minutes until soft and fragrant. Add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds. Stir in paprika, chopped chipotle chiles, and flour, cooking for 2 minutes to get rid of the raw flour taste. Whisk in milk and chicken stock, then turn the heat to medium-high. Bring to a bubble and then reduce to a gentle simmer, stirring often, until it thickens around 3 to 5 minutes.

Step 5: Melt Cheese and Combine Everything

Lower the heat and stir in the shredded smoked cheddar until melted into a smooth sauce. Fold the chorizo and tomatoes in and season with salt and pepper — taste and adjust! Finally, pour this luscious sauce over your cooked pasta and toss until every bit is covered in cheesy, smoky goodness.

Step 6: Serve with Crunch and Freshness

Transfer your mac and cheese to a big serving platter, sprinkle those golden toasted breadcrumbs on top for crunch, and finish with fresh cilantro for a bright, fresh contrast. Grab a fork and dig in!

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Pro Tips for Making Chorizo Mac and Cheese Recipe

Don’t Overcook Pasta: Under-cooking by a minute prevents mushy noodles after mixing with sauce.
Toast Breadcrumbs Separately: This keeps them crispy and prevents them from getting soggy in the sauce.
Use Smoked Cheese: It adds complexity and depth but avoid overpowering cheeses that can mask chorizo’s flavor.
Season Gradually: Add salt last and taste often because chorizo and stock add saltiness already.

How to Serve Chorizo Mac and Cheese Recipe

A white bowl filled with a creamy macaroni dish made of spiral pasta covered in a light orange sauce, mixed with pieces of red tomatoes and browned bits. The pasta is topped with a crumbly golden-brown topping and black pepper, with three slices of green jalapeno peppers and a few green cilantro leaves scattered on top. A silver fork is placed in the bowl, resting on the pasta. The bowl is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Chorizo Mac and Cheese, spicy mac and cheese, cheesy chorizo pasta, easy mac and cheese recipes, Tex-Mex mac and cheese

Garnishes

I always garnish this mac and cheese with fresh cilantro because it cuts through the richness with a hit of herbal brightness. If you like a little extra zip, a squeeze of fresh lime or a sprinkle of chopped green onions works beautifully too.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or roasted veggies to balance the indulgence. I especially love serving it alongside simple roasted Brussels sprouts or sautéed garlic green beans — they add a fresh, healthy crunch.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist when entertaining, I’ve served this mac and cheese in small, individual ramekins topped with breadcrumbs and broiled until bubbly and golden. It’s such a crowd-pleaser and looks super impressive without extra effort!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover chorizo mac and cheese stores beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I find it tastes even better the next day once all those flavors have had time to meld.

Freezing

I’ve frozen portions of this dish successfully by letting it cool completely, then packing it tightly in freezer-safe containers. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently to keep the sauce creamy.

Reheating

To reheat, cover the mac and cheese with foil and warm it in a 350°F oven until hot throughout, about 15-20 minutes. You can also reheat on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of milk if it looks thick.

FAQs

Can I make this Chorizo Mac and Cheese Recipe without the chipotle chiles?

Absolutely! If you prefer less heat or don’t have chipotle chiles on hand, you can skip them or substitute with smoked paprika alone for that smoky flavor without the spice. The dish will still taste fantastic.
What’s the best cheese to use for this recipe?

Smoked cheddar is my go-to because it melts beautifully and adds great depth, but you can mix in Monterey Jack or even a bit of sharp white cheddar for a slightly different flavor profile. Avoid processed cheeses or anything too oily.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can make the sauce and cook the pasta ahead, then combine and bake just before serving. Or, prepare the entire dish and refrigerate, then reheat gently for a quick meal.
How spicy is this Chorizo Mac and Cheese Recipe?

This recipe brings moderate heat from the chorizo and chipotles, but it’s not overwhelming. You can adjust the chipotle quantity to suit your heat tolerance perfectly.

Final Thoughts

This Chorizo Mac and Cheese Recipe holds a special place in my weekly rotation because it’s the perfect blend of comforting and exciting — creamy, cheesy, with a spicy, smoky twist that wakes up your taste buds. Whether you’re feeding hungry kids or hosting friends, it’s a guaranteed hit. Give it a try, and I’m confident it’ll become one of your favorite ways to enjoy a classic dish with a bold upgrade!